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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Free flap microvascular anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system
A De Virgilio1, O Iocca2, P Di Maio3
1Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Humanitas University, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of microvascular anastomosis using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system (VITOM 3D) in 10 consecutive cases of free flap head and neck reconstructive surgery. This was a clinical human study of free flap microvascular anastomosis using a VITOM 3D exoscope in 10 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. Microvascular anastomoses were performed successfully using the exoscope in all patients, without any need for the conventional microscope. Arterial anastomoses were all end-to-end. Venous anastomoses were end-to-end in eight cases and end-to-side with the internal jugular vein in two cases. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of microvascular anastomosis using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system (VITOM 3D) in a series of 10 cases.
